As we start turning the corner into winter, it is time to work on putting our plants and gardens to rest for the season.  In addition to trimming excess growth, cleaning up old plants and applying fertilizer, now is a great time to add an insulating layer of organic mulch to your plants.Improve the Soil
Mulching your perennials will help to add valuable nutrients to the soil and the mulch breaks down over the winter.  Choosing organic mulch ingredients will ensure your plant receives excellent nutrition without harmful chemicals.
 

Insulate Your Plants
Mulch is an excellent insulator, protecting delicate roots and crowns on plants from the harsh nip of frost and snow.  It will also help contribute to the temperature in the spring, allowing early bloomers to sprout forth a little earlier, while keeping the new growth safe under a snug blanket.
 

Types of Mulch
Mulch can be composed of a variety of organic materials.  The main requirements are quick decomposing, insulating power, and inexpensive to obtain.  Looking around your yard, you will probably find you already have a wealth of ready-to-use mulch.  Grass clippings, dried leaves, loose straw, alfalfa hay and peat moss are all excellent mulches.  The latter three can be purchased for well under $10 at many farm or home stores, and the first two are readily available in your house or neighborhood.
 

Applying Mulch
Grass clippings need to be applied gradually, as too many wet clippings will drastically hinder airflow to the plants.  For the other mulches, apply a thick layer of 2-3 inches to provide insulation and nutrition.  Any of the mulch materials can be mixed together to create a super food for your plants.
Whatever mulch you choose, be sure to apply it thoroughly around the plant for the winter, and remove it from the crown of the plant as soon as the temperature becomes warm enough again in the spring.